Silverlake - Jan 29 pick-up

Thank you for all the good vibes re: the Sunset Magazine article. In Sharon Cohoon's follow up story at http://freshdirt.sunset.com/, she offers a link to the www.urbanfarmingadvocates.org website, where you can help change the law.

As I mention on my home page, it is illegal to grow flowers and fruit in residential gardens in the City of LA and sell them off-site, at farmers' markets for example. This makes no sense given that vegetables may legally be grown for sale.

It's been 7 months since the Food & Flowers Freedom Act came into being but the City hasn't made any changes yet. I think they need to hear from you. See Urban Farming Advocates for more details. If you've already written, thank you.

Here's what Farmer John had for us this week:

celery
broccoli
carrots
radishes
fresh garlic
mizuna (lovely mild mustard eaten raw)
red romaine lettuce
green romaine lettuce
italian parsley
baby bok choy
arugula aka rocket
green curly mustard (bit spicier than mizuna)

Try this week's recipe from cooking consultant, Shelley Marks. She says:

There's almost nothing better to do with fresh crispy romaine than make a Caesar salad. Though there are many versions, a classic Caesar is both simple and elegant; and once you assemble the ingredients, it's easy to make. I like using roasted garlic for its milder and and more subtle flavor. Roasted garlic keeps well in the refrigerator for a week or longer, so roast up a few heads of garlic at a time. Whatever you don't use immediately can be used in dips and sauces or spread on toast for a savory treat.

Classic Caesar Salad

2 heads romaine (one red, one green)
6 anchovy fillets
2 cloves roasted garlic*
1/2 inch piece green garlic bulb or 1 small clove fresh garlic
1 t prepared dijon mustard
2 t Worcestershire sauce (pronounced "whouster" in England)
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 coddled egg yolk** (substitute 1/2 C whipping cream if you prefer not to use an egg)
1/2 C olive oil
1 C croutons***
1/2 C grated parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Rinse romaine well and dry well in a salad spinner or on towels. Break into bite-sized pieces. Toss the cores in the compost. You should have about 7-8 C loosely packed leaves.

2. Combine anchovy fillets, roasted garlic, green garlic, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, coddled egg yolk, and a pinch of salt in a food processor work bowl. Pulse to combine.

3. With the motor running, pour the olive oil through the feed tube in a thin stream until the dressing thickens.

4. Pour dressing over prepared greens. Add croutons and grated cheese. Toss well.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

*To roast garlic, trim the top, rub lightly with olive oil, place on a baking sheet in a hot (400 degree) oven for 30-35 minutes until soft. Peel each clove before using.

**A coddled egg is not a raw egg, but it's barely cooked. Bacteria can grow in damaged eggs, so use the freshest egg and avoid any that are dirty or damaged. If you're lucky enough to have a friend or neighbor who has chickens you might be able to get a really fresh egg. To coddle the egg, place the egg in its shell in a heat-proof cup or bowl. Bring 2 C of water to a boil. Pour water over egg to cover and let sit for 3 minutes (or longer if desired). Crack open egg and discard the white or save it for another use. Place yolk in the work bowl and proceed with the recipe.

***You can use store-bought croutons, but it's easy to make your own. Heat 2 T canola oil and 1 T olive oil in a skillet. Cut your favorite bread into cubes and toss in the hot oil to coat. Turn down the heat and toss the cubes every few minutes until well-browned, about 20 minutes.

Have a great weekend and see you soon!

Tara